RIKI RACHTMAN (Host Of THE BALL): “Honor The Old [Bands] And Embrace The New”

Riki Racthman

Bang Your Head, Once More

Riki Rachtman was the host of MTV’s influential Heavy Metal video show Headbanger’s Ball from 1990-1995. Riki was also co-owner of the notorious Hollywood nightclub the Cathouse from 1986-1992, with Faster Pussycat’s Taime Downe.

When the biggest, best, and future Metal bands weren’t being featured on Headbanger’s Ball, you could be sure they’d be partying or playing the stage at the Cathouse. Despite MTV giving up on Heavy Metal (and music all together), Ratchman’s love for it never waivered throughout the rest of his storied career.

Together with Gimme Metal TV & Knotfest.com, Riki Racthman returns to his roots with The Ball. Episode 1 debuted on March 27, 2021. It featured videos from legends such as Metallica, underground heroes like Death Angel, and up-and-coming acts such as Alien Weaponry.

In between the music it’s Riki being himself and having a little fun. The Ball airs live on Saturday nights at 9pm EST on the Gimme Metal app with no replays or on-demand options (there is a Friday replay option). One of the reasons for the live airing is because The Ball features a real-time chat session to go along with it. Rachtman will explain the other factors.

Highlights include

  • Discussion of his new Heavy Metal video show The Ball
  • How the videos & artists are chosen
  • Has Heavy Metal changed in the 30 years since he hosted MTV’s Headbangers Ball?
  • Discussion of his Triple R Podcast & Cathouse Hollywood Podcast
  • The most surprising guests that visited the Cathouse
  • The success of Cathouse merchandise and licensing
  • Working with his girlfriend Lea Vendetta (from Inkmasters)
  • How Ice-T was responsible for bringing them together
  • … and much, much more!

Author

  • George Dionne

    George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015.  Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.

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